Have you gone micro?

Mexican Jazz · #1 07-08-2011, 08:47 AM

I play a GBE750 into a Carvin BRX 210. Which isn't a giant rig at all, but I also lug around the PA for the band and the mic stands, my music stand, my bass (of course) and other misc items needed for a gig. So, even though I'm happy with my tone, I start GASing for a lightweight amp everytime I'm loding my car at 1:30 am.

So, who's made the switch, from what heavy-weight beast to what feather-light sound, and are you happy with it?

Rickett Customs · #2 07-08-2011, 08:49 AM

I did.......for the smaller shows, that is..... TC RH450+GK212MBE cuts through, even with 3 guitar players...

stflbn · #3 07-08-2011, 08:50 AM

Markbass F1 (in front pocket of my bass gig bag)
TC RS210 (another on call for larger venues)
Pedaltrain mini with FEA compressor and Line6 M9 on it.

Everything fits easily on a two wheel cart ( Or I can carry in one trip if needed)

For my needs I rarely use the rig over 3 on volume knob.

(Last weekend with both cabs)

SteveC · #4 07-08-2011, 08:50 AM

Totally happy. Genz Benz for me. I just use a combo and extension and it was too loud once last night at anoutdoor jazz gig. There's just no need - in my case - for a huge rig.

DRafalske · #5 07-08-2011, 08:57 AM

I'm also playing a Shuttle 6.0-12T combo with a 12T extension. Absolutely love it. Plenty loud. Light. Sounds great. I'm hanging on to my 810 though if I ever have the need.

D

portlandguy · #6 07-08-2011, 09:00 AM

Markbass Mini 121p - 29lbs 300watts 1x12 with my MIA Jazz

insain · #7 07-08-2011, 09:02 AM

GB shuttle 9.0 2x10 neo cab. played small to med clubs and a few theaters. sounds great, plenty loud, not going back to heavy -NO NEED

Gougedeye · #8 07-08-2011, 09:15 AM

I just bought the Fender Rumble stuff...350 head, 2X8 cab and 1X12 cab. I love it! Its got plenty of pop for most of the shows I do and I can carry my basses, my cabs and my head in one trip!

N.F.A. · #9 07-08-2011, 09:17 AM

Going to try the GKMB200 with a variety of cabinets ranging from GK to Bergantino to Bag End.(If I don't sell it.) We'll see how it goes...(Hear how it goes is more accurate.)

Mexican Jazz · #10 07-08-2011, 09:38 AM

Awesome. Lots of quick responses and no regrets, sound like the thing to do.

Thanks guys.

**cheezewiz** · #11 07-08-2011, 10:12 AM

Eh....I did the Shuttle 6.0/12 with a Shuttle 12 extension for quite a while. It sounded good. BUT....I wasn't satisfied with the sound. To me, NOTHING sounds like tube gear with bigger cabs. It's a pain to haul, but I'm much more satisfied with my sound with the heavy stuff. This isn't a slam on a Shuttle at all. Again, it's a GOOD amp. It was great for 50 percent of my gigs, but I wanted more for the other 50 percent.

noahw1 · #12 07-08-2011, 10:19 AM

I went from an SWR SM400, which I schlepped around for 15 years, and when I had an issue with it that was going to cost me some dough I made the switch to a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 but am now playing a Genz Benz 900.

I went from about 20lbs or so (and rack case) to 3.5lbs (that fit in my gig bag) to 6.5lbs which I now have in a handy dandy backpack carrying case along with all my cords, tools and everything else. Couldn't be happier.

I also have switched my cabs from SWR Goliath Jrs to Avatar Neo 210s and just bought a GB Neox 112.

My load ins and outs are SO much easier now.

jimcroisdale · #13 07-08-2011, 10:24 AM

Part way through the process myself.

Been using my superheavy Trace RAH600SMX with a Warwick 6x10".

I recently picked up a Schroeder 15L (not the '+' model, so smaller than usual) and it's so good it's not true.

These modern Kappalite drivers have changed everything. You've really got to try it to believe it's possible.

The 6x10" may as well go in the skip, although I might part it out for the drivers.

Will I swap my Trace head in for something lighter? We shall see, but in my newly acquired 3u rack bag it's not all that bad to carry.

Jim

Sonicfrog · #14 07-08-2011, 10:25 AM

I'm THIS CLOSE to selling my huge rig and going small!

jimcroisdale · #15 07-08-2011, 10:28 AM

Do it - you won't regret it!

I tell ya what - not having to do loads of heavy lifting really makes the whole thing more fun.

I don't mind the crappy gigs so much now!

brothernewt · #16 07-08-2011, 10:29 AM

SVT/Big cab rig to Walkabout/GK Neo rig. I'm pretty happy with the sound.. I was reaaaaally happy during last nights 1/4 mile load out.

4-string · #17 07-08-2011, 10:29 AM

I just got a TC rig, RH750/RS210/RS212 and so far I'm digging it.

I'm not ready to sell the other rig just yet though.

bucephylus · #18 07-08-2011, 10:33 AM

I use a Shuttle 9 to drive a Berg NV610 for big gigs, Berg AE212 for Club gigs, and Schro 15+L for rehearsals and Coffee House dates. I have a second 15+L that I add to the Coffee House cab and drive with a ShuttleMAX 12, and that has to be the loudest, most penetrating, lightest big gig combo I have found. I did an outdoor July 4 festival date with that unsupported by the FOH; and it carried!

Don't get me wrong, I still like racks and big iron SVT stuff; I just can't justify the weight tradeoff for my around town gigging. If I was touring on big stages with crew of hard workers to move stuff, I might do something different, but would still have a micro for backup. My 2c; I think the micro is the greatest development for the bass in the last decade.

corinpills · #19 07-08-2011, 10:35 AM

Never! I was made to carry heavy tube gear.

birminghambass · #20 07-08-2011, 10:36 AM

I've owned/gigged micros from GK, Markbass and Genz Benz. IMO none provided the tone/power I need in a live setting. Sounded great at home, not so much on top of a stack in a heavy rock setting. In fact they were all easily outperformed by my GK 700rb2 even though every micro head was rated at higher wattage. I guess I'm stuck hauling around that 16lb beast....